.jpg)
Surviving High School & College Graduation Season: 5 Real Tips That Actually Help
- msshymika7
- Apr 24
- 2 min read
It’s that time of year again—Graduation Season! Whether you're the proud (and slightly stressed) parent juggling last-minute details your child forgot to mention, or a friend or relative just excited for the celebration, I’ve got you covered.
In the past 13 years, I’ve attended over 50 graduations—yes, really—ranging from high school to college. Along the way, I’ve picked up some tips to make the experience smoother, more enjoyable, and maybe even fun. Tip #5 is the real game-changer.
Tip #1: Get a Graduation Program - No Matter What
Whether you arrive early or show up fashionably late, make sure you get your hands on a graduation program. Borrow one if you have to!
Once you’ve got it, check for these three things:
The order of the ceremony
The number of graduates
Your graduate’s name (How many times does it appear?)
Knowing where your graduate is in the lineup will help you gauge how long the ceremony will take and how closely you need to pay attention.
Tip #2: Bring a Buddy
Graduations can be long, so bring someone to share the experience. I often bring a teenager I know and use it as a time to bond. If not, I’ll bring a friend and we’ll quietly people-watch and give our "reviews" of the ceremony. Trust me—it makes the time fly by.
Tip #3: Cheer for Two Random Graduates
Pick two students you don’t know (I usually choose students from a different background than mine) and cheer for them like they're your own. It’s fun, unexpected, and adds some joy to the room.
Tip #4: Bring Light Snacks
Self-explanatory. You’ll thank me later.
Tip #5: Set a Meeting Spot—Before the Ceremony
This is the most important tip of all. After the ceremony, finding your graduate can feel like searching for a celebrity at a music festival. They won’t hear their phone, everyone wants a picture, and the crowd is chaos.
Here’s what works:
Before the ceremony even starts, pick a designated meet-up spot for the graduate and family. Send the location to the graduate before the event, and again to the rest of the family during the ceremony. This saves time, frustration, and makes for a much smoother reunion.
High school graduations are a beautiful milestone, and with these simple tips, you’ll survive—and maybe even enjoy—the big day.
We offer an amazing Transition to College Session, which includes emergency planning, 5 laws all college students should know, budgeting, academic advising, and Greek life.
Comments